Postdoctoral Scholar, Klau Institute for Civil and Human Rights

Position description

The University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs invites applicants for a Postdoctoral Scholar starting in Summer 2026. We seek talented scholars with a demonstrated ability to do innovative and rigorous teaching and research related to civil and human rights in the disciplines of Political Science, International Relations, Economics, and Sociology. Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to, global human rights; domestic civil rights especially racial justice and criminal justice; migration; and human rights in the Catholic social tradition.

Successful candidates are expected to lead and collaborate on research projects with faculty at the Klau Institute. Possibilities include: an international race and rights lab, migration research working groups, and new research initiatives related to civil and human rights. At least half of the postdoctoral scholar’s time will be committed to research. The scholar will be supervised by the Klau Institute Faculty Director, Jennifer Mason McAward, a legal scholar in civil rights law and habeas corpus, and mentored by additional Klau Institute faculty and its Associate Director. The anticipated start date of the appointment is August 1, 2026. This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal for a second year based on performance and funding availability.

The scholar will lead initiatives related to student engagement at the undergraduate and graduate level which may include experiential learning, research projects, guest lectures, and more. In addition, there may be the possibility to teach one introductory level course for the civil and human rights minor. Competitive candidates for this position will have a scholarly track record with evidence of, or potential for, high-quality research related to the research priorities of the Klau Institute. Successful applications will clearly identify how their research relates to priority areas described above. We encourage candidates with a PhD in sociology, political science, international relations, or economics to apply.

The appointment will be based in the Keough School, which promotes interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research on critical issues in global affairs, transformative educational programs, and partnerships for global engagement. The Keough School approaches global affairs and development through a focus on integral human development, which is also central to the University of Notre Dame’s mission. The Klau Institute, founded by Fr. Hesburgh in 1973, aspires to be a leading scholarly voice in the areas of civil and human rights with a three-pillar mission of education, inquiry, and engagement. The Scholar will enhance the Klau Institute’s current capacity in each.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to our Catholic tradition, to maintain the excellence of the University, and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, perspectives and ways of knowing and learning. The Keough School is committed to fostering a culture of diverse views and approaches to Global Affairs. We welcome candidates whose experience in teaching, research, or service has prepared them to contribute to our mission and commitment to diversity and excellence.

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on geopolist.com